The Netherlands pulled off one of the most remarkable upsets in the history of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, securing an emphatic 38-run victory over South Africa in Dharamsala, India on Tuesday.
In an encounter that was reduced to 43 overs per side due to early rain, inspirational skipper Scott Edwards led the Netherlands to a competitive total of 245/8. Edwards remained unbeaten with a commanding 78*, and he received valuable support from veteran all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe (29) and No.10 Aryan Dutt (23 off nine balls), propelling the Dutch late in their innings.
South Africa’s response never gained momentum as their top-order was dismantled by high-quality bowling. Key wickets fell to bowlers such as Colin Ackermann (1/16), Logan van Beek (3/60), Paul van Meekeren (2/40), Bas de Leede (2/36), and van der Merwe (2/34). South Africa suffered their first defeat at the tournament, marking the first time they were defeated by a non-Test playing nation in an ODI.
This win continued the Netherlands’ recent success against South Africa, having also triumphed against the Proteas in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia the previous year.
The loss prevented South Africa from leapfrogging the unbeaten India and New Zealand in the World Cup standings. Temba Bavuma’s side remains in third place after their first defeat at the tournament. Meanwhile, the Netherlands secured their first win of the World Cup and climbed to ninth place, overtaking Sri Lanka.
Earlier, South Africa made regular breakthroughs to limit the Netherlands’ innings. A partnership of 31 runs between Sybrand Engelbrecht and Teja Nidamanuru steadied the Dutch innings after a shaky start at 50/4.
Rain marred the start of the South Africa-Netherlands contest, which was eventually reduced to a 43-over affair. Bowlers were allowed to bowl nine overs, while two could bowl eight each.
South Africa lost two crucial wickets by the end of the first Powerplay, with Quinton de Kock (20) caught behind while attempting a paddle sweep and Temba Bavuma clean bowled by Roelof van der Merwe.
The Netherlands’ outstanding bowling performance, combined with Edwards’ unbeaten knock, secured a historic win, marking a memorable day in World Cup cricket.